Rapport is a very important relationship in coaching. However, it may not be a word that is used very often in everyday life. Let’s start with the definition of the term as it appears in the Kojien (Japanese Dictionary).
Affinity relationship. A rapport or sympathetic relationship that is created between the interviewer and the interviewee in consciousness surveys, anthropological surveys, counseling, etc. that involve face-to-face situations.
Just because a coaching coach is qualified does not usually mean that the client will immediately open up and be honest about his or her true feelings. Coaching requires creating an environment in which the client naturally opens up. The key to this is rapport, and here are some concrete ways to achieve this
Demonstrate in sincere words and manner that you acknowledge everything about the client.
There is no such thing as rapport in a first meeting or in a relationship where there has not yet been much contact. The coach uses sincere attitudes and words of sincerity to express his or her acceptance of the client. The client is trying to get a sense of who the coach is and what he or she is all about.
Communicate that confidentiality is involved.
When beginning a coaching session, always tell the client that the coach has a duty of confidentiality and that the content of the session will never be shared with a third party. This is the minimum rule that is important for forming rapport and building trust.
Self-disclosure of the coach’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings.
By self-disclosing, the client can understand and empathize with the coach’s personality. This creates a sense of security within the client and makes the client feel more comfortable to talk to the coach.
The coach is like a mirror of the client, and at the same time, the client reflects the coach’s attitude like a mirror. The coach is being watched by the client. Therefore, the coach must constantly ask himself or herself whether he or she is keeping his or her awareness and attitude in the best possible condition.
Icebreakers are lubricants.
Although the specific session begins with the establishment of a theme with the client, the ice break is essential for the client to feel relaxed and comfortable in the session. Ice break means “to break the ice,” so it is a conversation and a technique to relieve tension. Therefore, there are no rules.
Coaching is a collaborative process with the client, and the coach needs to warm up so that he or she can proceed with the coaching in a natural way.
It is also a time to understand the client’s current state of mind during the ice-breaker and to make decisions about how to proceed with the session.
コーチング情報局を運営する株式会社コーチビジネス研究所では、企業を対象としたコーチング研修、ビジネスパーソンを対象としたビジネスコーチング、個人の方を対象としたライフコーチングを提供しております。その他、コーチングを学びたい方のためのコーチングスクールの運営、経営者やビジネスリーダー向けにセミナーを開催しています。興味や関心がございましたら、お気軽にご相談・お問い合わせください。
This article was written in Japanese and converted into English using a translation tool. We hope you will forgive us for any inadequacies.
Coach Business Laboratory, Inc., which operates the Coaching Information Bureau, provides coaching training for companies, business coaching for business people, and life coaching for individuals. In addition, we operate a coaching school for those who want to learn coaching and hold seminars for executives and business leaders. If you are interested or have any questions, please feel free to contact us for further information and consultation.
